How to Use DiDi in China

Foreign travelers may be able to book ride-hailing through DiDi Greater China or through service entries inside Alipay and WeChat. Government guidance says the DiDi Greater China app supports foreign mobile numbers and international credit cards, but actual registration and payment success still depends on the current app, issuer, account verification, and location.

Choose an access route

Try the route that fits accounts you already verified:

• DiDi Greater China app;
• Alipay's transport or taxi service;
• WeChat's mobility or ride-hailing service.

Do not assume the screens are identical. Use official listings and read the current price, service level, cancellation, and identity prompts.

Before requesting a car

1. Confirm mobile data works.
2. Add a payment method and backup.
3. Save the destination's Chinese name and address.
4. Place the pin at a legal pickup point on the correct side of the road.
5. Check whether an airport, station, or mall requires a designated ride-hailing zone.

Large transport hubs often separate taxi, ride-hailing, and private-car areas. A central map pin may not be reachable by the driver.

Booking and pickup

Review the pickup, destination, estimated price basis, and service category. After matching, compare the vehicle plate, model or color, and driver details with the app before entering. Do not board a driver who approaches you outside the app and asks to cancel the recorded trip.

Use in-app messaging or translation. A short message with a landmark, gate, level, or terminal is more useful than repeatedly moving the pin.

Payment

Confirm the final amount and any toll, waiting, airport, or parking item shown. If a payment fails, use the official support path and a backup method. Do not pay twice without checking whether the first charge is pending or completed.

Safety

• Share trip details with a trusted contact when appropriate.
• Sit where you feel comfortable and wear the seat belt.
• Follow the route on your own map.
• Keep luggage and documents with you.
• Use 110 for immediate police assistance.
• Report ordinary service disputes through the platform's official support.

For children, accessibility needs, large luggage, or multiple passengers, confirm that the selected service is suitable. Do not assume a child seat is included.

Airports and stations

Save a screenshot of the official pickup-zone instructions before leaving the terminal. Airport Wi-Fi and mobile signal can be inconsistent in parking structures. If you cannot find the driver, verify the floor, zone letter, gate, and terminal before changing the pickup point.

What changes quickly

Foreign-number registration, card support, English interface, service categories, and pickup geofences are operational app features. They should be retested before publication and after major updates.

Official sources

• State Council guide to online ride-hailing for foreign travelers: https://english.www.gov.cn/2025special/bizexpatsinchina2025
• State Council payment guide for overseas visitors: https://english.www.gov.cn/news/202404/11/content_WS6617c858c6d0868f4e8e5f4d.html

Last reviewed: 17 July 2026. App flows require publication-time testing.